Walk It Through: The Initiation
Hazing, aggravated hazing when alcohol is forced, and care at the scene by anyone.
Older members tell a student that staying on the team means a night of drinking games and calisthenics.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One team's initiation. Organizational and institutional hazing, school discipline, and other crimes committed along the way are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Good SamaritanThe rule that any person, trained in medicine or not, who in good faith renders emergency care, treatment, first aid or rescue at the scene of an emergency or crime is not liable for civil damages from it, short of intentional harm or gross negligence.
- Aggravated hazingHazing that results in serious bodily injury or death, where the person acts with reckless indifference to the health and safety of the minor or student, or forces the consumption of alcohol or a drug. It is a felony of the third degree.
- HazingIntentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing, coercing or forcing a minor or student, to initiate them into or keep them in an organization, to break the law, consume a harmful substance, or endure physical, mental or sexual brutality.
- Misdemeanor of the third degreeThe lowest misdemeanor grade, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Summary offenseThe lowest grade of offense, punishable by not more than 90 days, with a fine of up to $300 unless a higher fine is set.